Ultrasonographic and MR diagnosis of rotator cuff disorders & shoulder joint instability

Objective

To evaluate the role and efficacy of U/S and MR in diagnosis of rotator cuff disorders and shoulder joint instability.

Patients and methods

This study included 30 patients with shoulder pain and/or movement limitation. They underwent shoulder U/S examination followed by MR examination. The U/S & MR diagnostic criteria of each patient were analyzed, compared and correlated with arthroscopic and/or orthopedic surgical findings.

Results

15 patients had with rotator cuff disorders 15/30 (50%) and 11 patients had shoulder instability 11/30 (36.7%). Out of 15 patients with rotator cuff disorders, 12 patients had rotator cuff tears 12/15 (80%) and 3 patients had tendenosis 3/15(20%). The supraspinatus muscle was involved in all cases (100%), without a significant comparable difference between U/S and MR. Out of 11 patients with shoulder instability 8 patients had anterior labral tear 8/11 (72.7%); 2 patients had superior labral tear 2/11 (18.2%) and only one patient with posterior labral tear.

Conclusion

U/S and MRI are valid diagnostic modalities in detecting, characterizing and discriminating the rotator cuff disorders, with no significant comparable difference. U/S has many challenges in patients with shoulder instability, while MR provides accurate diagnosis even without contrast.